Episode 23 – Jalapeno Poppers & Chex Mix

It’s a cold, snowy football Sunday and I decided it was time to fix up some snacks. After receiving a recipe from a twitter follower for some jalapeno poppers, I jumped in the car and picked up the goods. While I was out, I figured I could use some Chex Mix as well.

Intrigued by the new microwave method of preparation, I simply had to give one of the new Chex Mix recipes a try. In this case, I settled on the cheesy ranch variety. Does the microwave method hold up to the traditional oven bake method? Only one thing would give me the answer for sure. A Chex Mix experiment.

Jalapeno Poppers

Ingredients:

• 4 washed jalapeno peppers
• Cream cheese
• Bacon

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.

Halve jalapenos and remove seeds. Remove all seeds for mild, leave some seeds in for more heat.

Fill jalapeno halves with cream cheese.

Cut bacon in half

Wrap cheese-filled peppers with bacon.

Place poppers on a baking sheet or in a baking pan with foil liner for easy cleanup.

Bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and well done.

Remove poppers from baking dish and allow to drain and cool on a paper towel.

Cheesy Ranch Chex Mix

Ingredients:

• 9 cups Chex cereal (your choice)
• 2 cups bite-size pretzels
• 2 cups bite-size cheese crackers
• 3 tablespoons margarine
• 1 package ranch mix
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Directions:

In large microwavable bowl, mix cereal, pretzels and crackers. In small microwavable bowl, melt butter and pour over cereal mixture. Stir until evenly coated.

Stir in ranch mix and cheese until evenly coated.

Microwave uncovered on high for 3 minutes, stirring after each minute. Spread on foil to cool.